Canadians, Become Part of History Through Census

Kate Trotter has an article in the Quesnel Cariboo Observer, Become part of history through census, that discusses the ongoing debate in Canada over allowing people to hold back their 2006 Census information from future generations. To be more precise, Canadians can opt out of having their census information released in 2098 (the normal 92 year cycle), and genealogists are working to insure that they realize the impact this would have.

Just say yes, and you can become part of history.

That’s the message Gordon Watts and other genealogists want to get out before May 16, Census Day.
If each person’s “yes” box is marked, the information in the census can be released in 92 years.
“If they say ‘no’ or neglect to answer the question, their response will be considered to be no. Then, for all intents and purposes, when the 2006 census records are released in 2098, those people will have ceased to exist,” Watts said.

Up to this year, information gathered by census-takers was released after 92 years. But as of this census, the information will be sealed from public view unless permission is given this year, and for each successive census.

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